We first met Whitney as the quintessential BFF and lilty voice of reason to Lauren’s drama-filled adventures on The Hills but ever since she left LA for New York’s big city lights, Whitney’s fans have seen her star in a drama of her own complete with the standard repertoire of new and rotating frenemies, awkward dates, celebrity cameos and being told off by Kelly Cutrone (natch). But beyond the same-old-same-old reality fare, fashion lovers have also gotten a rare glimpse into the making of an up-and-coming fashion designer. “I think it’s so awesome to finally have a show like this that shows motivation and aspiration and really reveals to a lot of girls how they can make this happen on their own,” says Whitney.

Her line, Whitney Eve, is fun, youthful, feminine and urban, not unlike the designer herself. “It may sound a little narcissistic, but I really feel like I’m designing for my own demographic—career girls who want to wear something fashion-forward to work and then dress it up and accessorize it for night time,” she says.

In the new season of The City, which airs Wednesdays at 10pm on MTV, Whitney focuses on fighting the odds to make it as a designer…while we all watch. “Any mistake you make or any negative opinion someone might have about you is clearly shown and possibly even magnified,” says Whitney. “But you kinda just have to take the good with the bad!”

Read on for more on the good, the bad and the drama in the life of a reality TV star turned real life designer.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Being with family.

What do you consider your worst trait?
Impatience.

If you could choose an occupation other than your own what would it be?
A ballerina. I studied dance all my life but I got seriously into it in high school.

Who is your style icon?
Princess Diana. I just think she’s so empowering—she wasn’t afraid to take chances and she didn’t care how anybody else viewed her. I think that’s a really important trait in a fashion trendsetter.

If you had to choose one designer to fill your wardrobe, who would it be?
Valentino. Everything he designs is so glamorous and gorgeous and intricate—I would love to get my hands on anything he made.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
“I’m just saying,” and “Oh my god.” Being on television, you end up analyzing every little move you make and word you say. It’s not the best thing.

What is your most treasured possession?
A bracelet my mom gave me that was my great grandma’s.

What’s your usual?
Champagne.

Whitney's beauty secrets on the next page ...

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